“Dang’thor, I present to you, Chloe, Gideon, Ben, and Tag, adventurers of the blessed realm.”
“Blessed?” Dang’thor crooned. “How interesting. I’ve heard tell that your kind is expanding across our lands, taking up residence and blending in with our societies. Some have likened your appearance in our lands to a plague, but I can tell that there will be benefit to be had from your kind. Is it not so?”
He leaned forward, eyeing Chloe and the others suspiciously. “But first, tell me—what is it you want from our realm?”
Chloe didn’t know how to answer. She had never thought of herself as a foreign body in Obsidian, but she supposed on some level she was. While the NPCs and creations of Obsidian’s AI were all embedded in the world, and death for an NPC meant an eternal blackness in the digital void, the blessed—players from the real world, visiting the game—had the greatest gift of all: eternal life.
She could understand how that might start to piss off Obsidian’s folk, particularly as their numbers increased.
Chloe addressed Dang’thor. “We just want to do a little dance...”
Ben and Tag raised their eyebrows.
“Make a little love…”
Gideon put his head in his hands.
Chloe couldn’t hide her grin. “Just, well, get down tonight.”
Dang’thor puffed out his chest. LeavenHawk looked alarmed.
“What is she saying?” Dang’thor asked sternly.
Chloe laughed and waved her hand. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. You guys are so serious.” She turned to LeavenHawk, who gave a disapproving shake of her head. Chloe cleared her throat, regaining her composure.
“Look, if you really must know, our mission is the same as any adventurers’ mission. We want only what any adventurer here would want. We seek the hidden dungeons, and search for the lost items of this world. We in no way want to harm others or upset the balance of the world, only to share it with the native races and peoples in peace, ridding the realm of the horrors buried in the earth.”
She looked at the others for support and they nodded. Ben spoke up. “What Chloe says is true. We mean no harm to you or your people. We are good and kind. The same can’t be said for some in your realm.”
Dang’thor eyed them for a moment longer, then nodded his head slightly. He looked ready to speak some more, but instead, he emitted a terrific caw. The sound reminded Chloe of fingernails dragged over a chalkboard.
Chloe and the others jumped.
“We will see how you are judged,” Dang’thor said, stepping aside as one of the ugliest creatures Chloe had ever seen appeared came up behind his massive bulk.
It looked like a cross between a goblin and a vulture. Its long neck dropped like a wilted flower stem, bare of all feathers between the crown of its head and its chest. One foot scratched along the floor as it limped closer, turning its head to Dang’thor with apparent effort.
“You require my talents, sir?” the creature croaked, hardly any inflection in its voice.
Dang’thor nodded. The creature hobbled closer, widening one eye as it stared at each of them in turn, its gaze unblinking. Amber rings rimmed its blood-red pupils.
Chloe felt her very soul being searched. She felt naked. Vulnerable. Exposed. Every second of eye contact felt like a lifetime, and yet like no time at all. “Easy, tiger,” she said softly as the vulture-creature leaned forward and sniffed her shoulders and neck.
Chloe half-turned to Tag. “I think it has a shoulder fetish.”
Tag scoffed. “Maybe it and Ben could form a Fetishes Anonymous group. It likes shoulders, he likes screwing avatars.”
Gideon laughed, cutting it short when, with a sharp turn of its neck, the vulture moved its attention to him. He shuddered, tensing as the creature did its thing, turning sometime later to Ben, and then Tag, who shuffled uncomfortably, not quite sure where to look.
The creature clicked its beak, limped over to Jesepiah, and snorted through its nostrils.
Finally, it craned its head back toward Dang’thor and nodded. “They are pure.”
Dang’thor tilted his head in acknowledgment and the vulture-esque creature hobbled away. The adventurers let out sighs of relief.
LeavenHawk whispered something to Dang’thor, who grunted and nodded his head again. She stepped toward them. “You have passed the cowladites’ test and are deemed worthy and pure of heart. Because of this, the cowladites will give you safe passage to your next destination.” Her eyes narrowed. “I hope you realize what an honor this is, to be offered passage by cowladite chieftain himself.”
Chloe and the others murmured their appreciation to Dang’thor as LeavenHawk chuckled and said, “Come.”
She led them to the edge of the platform, where the sun was now rising in a glorious display of pastels. From up here, they could see for miles. Chloe spied the mountain tops on which they had stood and looked out over the world, Oakston presumably tucked somewhere behind them.
She could see the winding river that faded behind a hill, as well as copses of trees. Somewhere in that patch of land, she imagined the bees buzzing around their beehives.
Way over in the other direction was a patchwork of hills, forests, and towns, and almost over the horizon, the misty facade of some great building towered into the sky.
“How come we couldn’t see Nauriel?” Gideon wondered, the others turning quizzically to him. “When we were over there looking out over the land? The tree is so big. It seems impossible that we could have missed it. Surely you can see this tree from every corner of Obsidian?”
Ben and Tag murmured their agreement.
“It’s because of the magic,” Chloe whispered. “Right?”
LeavenHawk smiled. “That’s right. Nauriel’s history goes back into time beyond memory. Its tree was planted then, and protected for millennia. In order to keep it safe and cared for, an enchantment was placed upon the very roots of the tree, spreading to every leaf and branch. Once outside the city borders, the tree fades from sight, only the houses and buildings remaining visible."
“That’s amazing. That must be very powerful magic,” Chloe exclaimed.
They stared at the view for a while longer, Chloe watching as several of the cowladites launched themselves into dives off the lower platforms and soared over the city in great sweeping arcs. How freeing it must be to be able to just flap your wings and fly, traveling wherever you wanted, all with nothing more than the will and desire to go.
“I’m glad they impress you,” LeavenHawk said, accurately reading Chloe’s face. “The first step to riding cowladites is desiring to fly.”
Chloe’s eyes widened when she noticed that while she had been admiring the birds, a pair of them had appeared near the platform’s edge and were about to join them. These appeared to be of a different breed than the cowladites Chloe had previously seen, more akin to traditional hawks. Their bodies were double the size of even Dang’thor’s.
“You know how to ride, yes?” Dang’thor asked.
“I do.” Chloe’s heart began to quicken with excitement. “Level 5.”
“When did that happen?” Gideon asked.
“It’s a funny story. I’m sure I’ll tell you sometime.”
Tag gaped. “You’re not serious? We’re going on those things?”
The hawks crouched, allowing a small team of cowladites to climb over them and strap on several sets of harnesses. After they were done, one bird wore two harnesses, and the other had three.
“Who’s the other rider?” Chloe asked.
Ben stepped proudly forward. “At your service.”
Chloe’s mouth fell open. “Ha! You’re kidding. When have you ridden anything in your life? Are you sure you’ll be able to handle these beasts?”
One of the hawks craned its neck and snapped angrily at Chloe.
“Sorry! Sorry. Majestic creatures.”
“Actually, it’s sort of a funny story,” Ben said, climbing on to take a seat at the front of one of
the hawks. You know how this game randomly designates skills for performing actions that are sometimes only vaguely associated with what you’re doing?”
“Sure?”
Ben winked, bit his lip, and began to gyrate his hips, humping the saddle.
Chloe and the others exploded into laughter. “You got the Saddler skill by humping your way around Obsidian?” she managed, her stomach starting to hurt as she doubled over.
“What can I say? When you ride, you ride.”
When they could finally talk again, Chloe sidled over to the other hawk, taking a moment to run a hand along its feathery body. Even through the feathers, she could feel the powerful muscle beneath, the hawk responding affectionately to her gentle touch.
LeavenHawk and Jesepiah stepped up beside her.
“Thank you once again, Chloe,” the elf said. “I pray that you fare well on the rest of your journey. I can already see great things will come from you, and this will not be the last of you we see.”
“That depends on whether the city will ever let me come back,” Chloe replied. “You remember that I just escaped from prison and killed a guy, right? I’m not sure they’ll forget that quickly.”
“Time erodes all grudges, the same way time can tear down mountains. Here, this is for you—a parting gift from the Peregrin’s Creed. It’s a shame you couldn’t stay for longer and join our ranks. You would have been a valuable asset.”
LeavenHawk presented her with the most beautiful sword that Chloe had ever seen. It appeared elven in craft, the blade tucked into a golden sheath decorated with leaf patterns. As she drew it, she saw feathered carvings on the hilt, and the blade was light in her hand.
“The staple of the Creed,” LeavenHawk said. “The finest steel in Obsidian. May this be an adequate replacement for the blades you lost in Nauriel’s prison.”
Chloe strapped the sheath around her waist and held the sword in both hands as she read the notification.
You have obtained a new weapon: Blade of the Peregrin’s Creed
You have been given the Blade of the Peregrin’s Creed. By gaining favor with the Creed, you acquired a lasting memento that will help you in the heat of battle.
Made from the finest Nauriel steel, this weapon is immune to degradation and wear.
Damage: 14-21 (slashing)
“Thank you,” Chloe said, reaching out and pulling the elf into an embrace. She was slow to reciprocate, but eventually gave in.
“And you.” Chloe turned to Jesepiah. “Thank you for everything, too.”
Jesepiah stepped back, hands raised. “Erm, no thank you. I don’t do that gooey stuff. I’d rather just punch you in the face again if that’s okay?”
Chloe laughed. “I’ll pass.”
“And besides,” Jesepiah continued, “why are you saying goodbye? You’re not done with me yet.”
Chloe looked at the others confusedly. They shrugged, Tag now finding his way uncertainly onto the hawk behind Ben. Gideon struggling to boost himself onto the other.
Jesepiah pinched the top of her nose, looking pained. “You really think I’m going to stay behind while you galivant off toward the horizon? I need to leave this city too, y’know. I’ve got items to smuggle. Trades to make. I’m not staying here to rot for breaking you out of prison.”
Chloe beamed. “Then climb aboard.”
They settled themselves onto the hawks, finding that the seats were actually pretty comfortable, all things considered. There was a set of reins around each hawk’s beak, and the passengers each had a raised nodule to grip onto while they flew.
“Take care, Chloe, Tag, Ben, Gideon, Jesepiah.” LeavenHawk paused as the glowing orb that had been once again hovering around the chief bounced up and down in the air and lined up behind them. “And you, of course.” She grinned.
“Thanks for everything,” Chloe said.
She bowed her head, gripped the reins determinedly, and clicked her tongue. In an enormous rush of power, the hawk cawed and began to sprint away from the protruding platform. Chloe’s stomach sank and rose as the bird fell for some distance before its wings spread wide and caught the air.
Behind them, Ben cheered and Tag screamed.
They flew low over the city, Chloe chancing a glance over the side as the wind whipped past them, bringing tears to their eyes. Nauriel’s citizens looked up and pointed as they passed, several guards shaking their spears as they sped over the landscape. The birds moved swiftly in the direction of the rising sun.
Chapter Fifty-Eight
The fire crackled heartily, a small thing made up of whatever sticks and pieces of wood they had been able to find in the small copse of trees. All around them were the sounds of nature and the smoke from the fire, mingled with the succulent scent of roasted squirrel, There was open sky above them.
“Ah, this is certainly the life,” Tag said, lying on his back and patting his protruding stomach. He had gone back for seconds—and thirds. Ben’s archery skills had become so impressive that he’d only be gone for a moment before returning with something delicious for the group.
Chloe busied herself skewering the chunks of meat and adding a few sprinkles of some herbs she had found in the trees. She shuffled uncomfortably on the rock she now sat on from the toll traveling on the giant birds had taken on her ass.
The birds, meanwhile, slept toward the edge of the clearing, so still they could have been statues. Their heads were tucked beneath their wings, leaving only an impressive display of feathers behind.
“Aye, it certainly is,” Jesepiah said, sitting on a rock near Tag. Her eyes darted toward his form.
Chloe stifled a giggle behind her hand. During the entire journey, Jesepiah had done nothing but worry and talk about Tag, glancing down from their hawk and checking that the dwarf who was furiously clinging to Ben was okay.
Now that they were back on the ground, she kept flushing, her eyes searching for his as Tag devoured the majority of a fox to himself and picked at the squirrels, too. He was totally oblivious to the waves of affection Jesepiah sent his way.
“I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I’ve seen the open countryside,” Jesepiah said. “Everything is so clean and calm out here. It’s nothing like the bustle of the cities.”
“Prison life will do that to you,” Chloe remarked.
“Not just prison life,” Jesepiah replied. “Remember, I was in that city for a few years, smuggling, trading, and doing my thing. It’s been yonks since I’ve smelled grass. Heard running water. Felt fresh wind in my hair.”
“Yonks?”
Jesepiah rolled her eyes. “Fine. Ages.”
Ben emerged sometime later with more meat. According to his reports, the trees were a veritable smorgasbord of delectables, with animals roaming closer to the clearing thanks to the smell of cooked food but then making themselves easy prey for his bow and arrow.
“We should keep alert,” Ben said, shouldering a bundle of material filled with his catches. “My Tracking skill picked up something big out there. I’m not sure what, but I have a funny feeling we’re being watched.”
“Aye aye, captain.” Chloe saluted, massaging her bum as she came to relieve Ben of his catches. “Speaking of our skills, I hear you’re all now level 10s?”
Ben grinned, his eyes flicking to Tag. “That’s right. We’re all level 10s. Mr. Gideon, now a mage. Me, now a ranger. And...oh, what were you again, Tag?”
Beep “–off,” Tag grumbled.
“Oh, that’s right. Not all of us are level 10 yet, are we, buddy?”
Chloe chuckled, curious now since she knew what the mage class offered to Gideon–having been offered that class herself–but having no idea what the ranger class would give Ben.
Ben’s eyes unfocused as he pulled up his class description. The ranger class offered additional boosts to those who were interested in advancing in archery, scouting, and becoming one with nature. Rangers could easily blend into natural environments, hunt, track, and scout better than
most, and were dead shots with a bow.
The class also gave a nice extra boost to Ben’s dexterity and intelligence, as well as additional information when using his Sneak, Creature Identification, and Trueshot abilities, the latter being a final reward for selection of the Ranger class.
“Still,” Tag said, sitting up, “if there’s one comfort I have, it’s that at least me and Chloe can decide our classes together. You’ll wait for me, won’t you, Chloe? I don’t want to be the last to pick my class.”
Chloe avoided Tag’s gaze.
“Nooo!”
“Are you kidding?” Ben said. “Of course, she’s picked her class. Did you not see her back there with Tohken, blasting the friggin’ doors down and doing weird crap with the lock? You’re a mage now too, aren’t you, Chloe?” He addressed Gideon. “You’ve got a lot to learn from her, kid.”
Chloe blushed, waving her hands frantically as Gideon deflated. “No, no, I didn’t choose mage, I swear. There’s only room for one mage in this group, and that’s Gideon. Ain’t that right, bud?”
Gideon nodded half-heartedly.
“What did you go for, then?” Ben asked, intrigued.
“Ha! Berzerker! I knew you had it in you, lass,” Tag cheered.
“None of those,” Chloe replied. She placed her fists on her hips and adopted her best superhero pose. In the voice of a stadium announcer, she declared: “You’re looking at the group’s new battle mage. She can fight, she can summon magic, she can dual wield, and she looks awesome super-sexy-hot when she’s doing it. Iiiit’s Chloe!”
She cupped her hands to her mouth and cheered, pumping a fist in the air. “Yeah!”
The others burst out laughing. Even Gideon couldn’t help himself. One of the hawks lifted its head, gave them a disapproving look, and settled back down.
“What do you think, Decaru?” Chloe added, calling to the wisp, which had been floating near the hawk’s head.
The wisp bounced excitedly, his voice appearing in her head.
A wise choice, Chloe. For someone as special as you, there is no benefit to limiting your abilities. I look forward to seeing what you can conjure.
Collecting The Goddess (Chronicles Of KieraFreya Book 1) Page 41